What does the term reliability refer to in research methods?

Reliability in research methods refers specifically to the consistency of a measure over time and across different contexts. When a measure is reliable, it yields the same results upon repeated trials or assessments, assuming that what is being measured has not changed. This consistency is crucial because it indicates that the findings can be reproduced and are dependable. For instance, if a survey measures attitudes toward a topic, high reliability means that different people taking the survey at different times would report similar attitudes. This enhances the credibility of the research findings.

In contrast, the other concepts mentioned do not align with the definition of reliability. The accuracy of a measure focuses on how close the results come to the true value or actual state of what is being measured, which is distinct from consistency. Participant involvement in research relates more to recruitment and engagement in the study rather than the measurement consistency itself. Lastly, depth of data gathered pertains to the richness and detail of the information collected, which does not directly connect to whether the measurements yield consistent results over time.